My CNC engraving nose

[Wendy]

Hello CNC friends and cockpitbuilders,
 
  Because engraving always took to much time, you have to do it letter per   letter and adjust the Z-axis until the letter is nicely engraved.   Because of this nightmare that is caused by panel irregularities, I   decided to design a special nose.
 
  And now finally my engraving nose is ready and I can show it to you.   I've designed it myself but because I do not have a lathe I had a metal   workshop made the complete engraving unit.
 
 
  The principle is very simple, turning the copper wheel lets you move a   metal canister up and down and by doing this the engraving depth can be   set to a few hundred mm. The small black screw can block the setting.   The Z-axis is floating free on the panel with a constant pressure of 350   gram and the white plastic nose follows the irregularities in the   panel. All this ensures a constant engraving depth all over the panel.
 
 
  The first tests completed according to plan. What a luxury, whole lines   of text at once, and engraving was right from the first time. The   plastic on the nose does not scratch the panel.
  The weight of the current floating Z-axis on the panel is approximately   350 grams. The excess weight of the Kress was taken off with two   feathers.
 
 
  I've included a panel which formerly had a faulty engraving. Watch all   text that is upright (newly engraved with the nose), so it's a bit of a   mess but you may well see the difference between the old engraving   (upside down) and the new engraving. This panel was a good test because   the surface had large differences (greater than 0.2 mm).
 
  Enjoy, Wendy

[jackpilot]

Hi Wendy
Good to have news from U.
Amaaaaaazing stuff!! (way over my head but so what!!)

Jack

[Aerosim Solutions]

That's a great idea Wendy - ingenious! I have experienced a few panels with inconsistant thickness but generally the material is uniform. I made a platform for my machine with a raised section I use for engraving. I mounted this platform then use a large endmill to deck it flat, this ensures it is true to the cutting head. When using this I have become confident my panels will engrave well and I can go and do other things while the CNC is working.

Don't forget I have a lathe if you need the odd part here and there!

Cheers Gwyn

[Wendy]

Hi Gwyn,

I'll keep it in mind. Thanks Gwyn.


Regards, Wendy